Sleepin_Dragon Reviews

Dr. Phibes Rises Again (1972)

I'm glad he rose again, it's a fun movie.

[8/10 · 9 May 2024]

Having been dormant for some years, Doctor Phibes is back, and searching for a powerful set of scrolls, with the hope of bringing his dead wife back to life.

I cannot count how many times I've watched this film, it truly is the perfect pick me up, sure the story is nonsense and seemingly made up as it goes along, but in terms of entertainment, this film delivers.

At times it looks great, some sets and scenes are really good, but unfortunately it also looks very low budget too, let's say it looks imaginative.

A good drinking game, is to count how many times Price delivers the wonderful name..... 'Vulnavia,' honestly, you'll be saying it in your sleep.

I don't think it's Price at his best, he doesn't exactly have the material, nor do I think Quarry is all that good, but some of the performances are sublime, Hugh Griffith, Beryl Reid and a fleeting performance from John Thaw.

The film's magic however, comes from Peter Jeffrey and John Cater, the detective duo are side splitting, they should have gotten a spin off.

Sure it's funny, but the death scenes are great, the scorpions, the phone ..... enough to have given me many nightmares as a youngster.

Low budget, camp, but huge fun to this day.

8/10.

Beyond Paradise: Episode #2.2 (2024) Season 2, Episode 2

Great episode.

[9/10 · 9 May 2024]

Belle Hammond visits psychic medium Claire Moss, who predicts a fire, on a second visit she predicts care trouble, Belle breaks down, another prediction is made. Humphrey and Martha are interviewed by the adoption authorities.

One of the show's best episodes to date, this was excellent.

So good, so so good, I loved the story, I loved the sun story, the humour, and one scene in particular struck a chord, that moment where Humphrey is being interviewed, and gives an honest account of himself, tremendous, Marshall at his best.

That scene between Martha and Esther, wonderful, the acting throughout this episode was really top notch.

Of course there are a few moments of humour thrown in, and once again Anne's social life provides plenty of entertainment.

Even better, it's got Peter Davison.

9/10.

Wreck: You Can Let Go Now (2024) Season 2, Episode 6

Jamie's choice.

[9/10 · 8 May 2024]

The true nightmare of The Island is revealed, and the true puppet master is identified, Jamie is sent to the island, and has to make a terrible choice.

I think it beats the first series hands down, it's been a lot more consistent, it's had more humour, more gore and more surprises.

The final revelation was unexpected, a twist I hadn't been expecting. Jamie's choice, that scene was entertaining. Joseph and Devon were definitely an interesting duo.

Jamie, he doesn't have push your buttons, he really is a very confused young man isn't he.

I'm glad they recapped all of the deaths, fair to say there have been plenty of them.

Will there be a third series?

8/10.

Wreck: Gaylords of the Galaxy (2024) Season 2, Episode 5

Strong episode.

[9/10 · 8 May 2024]

Karen hatches a plan to do away with the entire Devereaux family, after further tragedies, everyone is in favour, with the exception of Jamie.

This was heaps of fun, imagine Halloween meets Midsommar, meets EastEnders, and set it in a gay bar, there you have your answer.

Beaker was so much fun once again, he really is so outrageous.

Finally we learn what the change maker program is, sounds interesting.

I am started to lose it with Jamie, has he lost his sense of reason, I'm definitely team Karen in this instance, with all that's happened, he wants them simply to carry on, it's bonkers, he's become somewhat irritating, too much whining.

Casting Alan Dale was a stroke of genius, what a legend.

9/10.

Wreck: Disposable (2024) Season 2, Episode 4

It's building nicely.

[8/10 · 8 May 2024]

Jamie and Vivian decide to stay at the camp, but the rest jump into the van and escape, unfortunately they run into a spot of bother.

This was exciting, shocking and somewhat moving, once again you have to credit the writing team, for being brave enough to bump off the main characters.

Once again I find myself binge watching the series, so it must be pretty good, and hitting the mark.

I'm definitely expecting some sort of a twist, and I don't know why, but right now I'm expecting it to come from Jean, she's definitely going to have a part to play.

I was really starting to take to Sophia. I'm still really unsure as to the part Karen has to play, I'm not convinced that she's a good guy.

Loving that name in the credits, simply The Creep, but who or what is Martin.

Very entertaining.

8/10.

Wreck: Hold the Line (2024) Season 2, Episode 3

It's holding my attention.

[7/10 · 8 May 2024]

The guests are set to start arriving, little knowing what's in store for them, Jamie and his mates go searching the local area, and make a very grim discovery. Jamie learns who helped him in the woods.

It's at the midway point, and my interest has definitely even maintained, in some ways I think I'm preferring it to the first series, it's a little more consistent somehow.

Loving Karen and her story, although I'm very unsure of which side of the fence she's sitting on.

The writing team do a good job at showing the state of play, we've got a misunderstood Karen, and we also have the fascinating Miss Devereaux, she presents as being so kind, so polite, but underneath she's an utter monster, controlling and oppressive, but all done with a smile.

What's the plan?

Next.

7/10.

Wreck: Did You Miss Me? (2024) Season 2, Episode 2

Pretty wild.

[7/10 · 8 May 2024]

Jamie's world has changed dramatically after his recent discovery, he is pressured into leaving the camp, but as always, decides to soldier on.

I chuckled the whole way through, this really was an entertaining 45 minutes, it's cheeky, it's naughty, but exciting with it, possibly the most bloodthirsty episode so far, some of those scenes were pretty brutal, especially poor Baby's treatment.

I'm liking Devon Devereaux and Jean, they're definitely an interesting duo.

Clever title, it seemed as if it related to Jamie's discovery at the very beginning, whereas it's of course the surprising twist at the end.

It now transpires that nobody can die, even those that popped off in episode one are bound to put in some sort of appearance in the finale.

7/10.

Wreck: Gay Miles Per Hour (2024) Season 2, Episode 1

It's a solid start.

[7/10 · 8 May 2024]

Jamie and Vivian desperately try to expose Velorum, but the whole world believe that they're cranks and making the story up. Velorum have paid off most of the crew, but have picked up their activities, this time in Slovenia.

There are echoes of Scream here, Duck face is back, terrorising everyone that was on board that ship. I really like that mask, it's a bit cutesy, but in the context it works.

It's a decent start to the second series, it's quite bloodthirsty, with several characters killed off, and more deaths likely. There's a good sense of mystery, what on Earth is going on inside that camp, and what was that balm, Tiger balm?

A couple of humorous moments, some jokes land, some don't, it looks like there's bigger roles for some of the characters that were perhaps less visible in the series, it's a good thing, it changes things up a bit.

I'm sure more thrills and spills await, I'm glad it's just six episodes and no longer.

Super camp entertainment.

7/10.

Home to Roost: The Way We Were (1985) Season 1, Episode 7

The seven-year itch.

[8/10 · 8 May 2024]

Matthew tries his hand at playing Cupid, arranging for his mother Sue to pay a visit, the scene is set, the romantic music is playing, only neither is happy to see the other.

A fine end to this cracking first series, it was a nice surprise to see John Thaw's real life wife Sheila Hancock playing Sue, definitely a degree of chemistry is evident.

There's a funny, bittersweet feel to this one, you can really appreciate Henry's bitterness and anger.

Sue isn't the most pleasant of people, you can see why the pair didn't work together.

Favourite scene had to be Sue encountering Mrs Thompson, her jealousy was amusing.

It's been a very enjoyable first series, and this is a strong conclusion, it gives you a real sense of how the pair ended up in this situation.

8/10.

Home to Roost: Small Change (1985) Season 1, Episode 6

Time for Matthew to get a job.

[7/10 · 8 May 2024]

Henry has finally had enough of Matthew's lazy attitude, he's been pinching the small change and generally doing nothing, he takes him for a visit to The Job Centre.

They created two very nice nice characters in Henry and Matthew, one a little sour, a hard working company man, who's been used to a bachelor lifestyle, and the hand grenade, a layabout who wants everything handed to him on a plate, it's the clash that makes the show so watchable.

I may be easily pleased, but this had me laughing several times. Henry has a definite caustic wit, he's sarcastic, and when his buttons are pushed, he lets rip, but he did do his best by his son here.

Favourite scene, that moment in the business meeting where Henry spots his son in the restaurant. The Job Centre scene, also a very amusing moment, like guy was really pushed to the limits.

It's been a fine first series.

7/10.

Abigail (2024)

An enjoyable horror, with some nice comedy elements.

[7/10 · 8 May 2024]

A mixed group of criminals kidnap Abigail, a young ballerina, and daughter of a powerful business mogul. The gang think they're coming into millions, but Abigail has a shocking surprise waiting for them.

One of the horror highlights of 2024 so far, it's done well at The Box Office, and it's easy to understand why, it's definitely a crowd pleaser.

A seemingly straightforward thriller very rapidly turns into a genre crossing horror movie. Abigail is a real mix of styles, it's goofy, it's funny, it's well paced, and of course there are plenty of jump scares.

Very nicely made, well shot, with some good music, which surprisingly doesn't become too intrusive.

You really can't fault any of the performances, credit very much to that young Alisha Weir, excellent as the title character. Melissa Barrera and Dan Stevens are both good, but Weir steals the show.

A cheeky And then there were none reference too.

7/10.

The Edgar Wallace Mystery Theatre: Man Detained (1961) Season 2, Episode 5

A very enjoyable entry.

[7/10 · 8 May 2024]

Small time crook Frank Murray cracks a safe, and strikes if lucky, grabbing £10k for his troubles, the day after however, he discovers that the man who's safe he hit has been murdered. DI Verity has Murray down as his main suspect.

Definitely one of the more action packed E W mysteries, and one with good characters, and a really strong storyline.

For the most part, I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially that action packed finale, although we bare witness to the world's worst gunman, how he managed to miss everyone and everything is beyond me.

Sadly the wonderful Bernard Archard doesn't have a whole lot to do, but Paul Stassino plays the villainous James Helder very well.

Clever and entertaining.

7/10.

24 Hours in Tesco (2023 TV Special)

Wow, this was so biased.

[4/10 · 8 May 2024]

A fly on the wall look at 24 hours at Tesco Cheshunt.

What planet is that manager on, 'we have staff to help customers?' get a job in Tesco, and see how much time you have to help customers, you don't, you have a huge workload, I'm stunned Nikki had time to talk to the cameras.

To start with, this isn't a documentary, there's no balance, this is basically a PR exercise for the giant retailer, I imagine they show this video to new starters. There's no balance, it's all about how incredible Tesco are.

The clubcard, it simply serves as a way of capturing data, basically giving you Asda prices, you may not be getting the bargains you think you are.

I'll hand it to Tesco, they have really turned things around over the last few years, it's a business model to applaud.

Cookies, if Tesco hadn't won that competition, I'd have pulled the plug off the TV, at least they had the cheek not to make the Tesco one beat Heinz.

4/10.

Granite Harbour: Episode #2.3 (2024) Season 2, Episode 3

Brilliant final episode.

[9/10 · 8 May 2024]

After the shocking crash, Lindo manages to get Mariam away, and deduces that there is a rat in the team.

Well, blow me sideways, this was exceptional, series two started well, and just got better and better with every passing episode, this was truly good.

They obviously decided to go big and bold, and they certainly succeeded, edge of the seat viewing, very tense and truly entertaining.

Lindo is constantly berating Bart over her promotion, every time he sees her, he's having a pop at her, to my mind, she doesn't say a word, is he a little jealous.

The scene where Mallick confronts Macmillan was a great moment, a scene that took the show to new heights, Dawn Steele once again, she really is a cut above.

Just when you think it's hit peak drama, it goes up another notch, pacing here was terrific.

I genuinely never thought I'd be saying this, but BBC please let's have Granite Harbour 3!

9/10.

Granite Harbour: Episode #2.2 (2024) Season 2, Episode 2

Scottish culture, quality episode.

[8/10 · 8 May 2024]

When a lifeboat with washes up on the shore, bearing the suspect ship's logo, Lindo is convinced that Hassan was thrown overboard. The team discover anomalies in the quantity of legal ketamine arriving, Mallick is put under pressure.

It's so interesting what a good script can do, I honestly cannot believe I'm watching the same show, I take it all back, I'm totally into this second series, credit where it's due, what a turnaround.

In the previous episode, I'd forgotten to mention one minor gripe, it was very talky, all it lacked was a little pace and a little action, we get a degree of both here, this one is full of intrigue, and that ending, brilliant.

A bit of humour, seeing Lindo and Grantley forced into traditional dancing was funny.

Really enjoyed Mallick's storyline, and I have to say, it's always great to see the wonderful Sakuntala Ramanee, she made an impression on me all those years ago, on the final classic Doctor Who, Survival.

Very good.

8/10.

Home to Roost: Dating Henry (1985) Season 1, Episode 5

Best one so far.

[8/10 · 7 May 2024]

Henry is behaving very oddly, dressing smartly, wearing aftershave, and trying to clear the house. It turns out that Henry has a date, a younger woman named Barbie, a jealous Mrs Thompson tries to put the knife in.

Best episode so far, a bit of rivalry between father and son, this one made me laugh out loud several times, definitely funny.

We're going back to the time where older men on screen always managed to get the younger girls, think Sid James in the carry on films.

I liked the fact that they made Barbie a pretty sharp girl, in this type of show, they often made the love interest a dim bimbo, Barbie may have sounded like one, but weren't.

Really enjoyed.

8/10.

Home to Roost: Suspect (1985) Season 1, Episode 4

Old Krap.

[7/10 · 7 May 2024]

Matthew seems to have struck up a friendship with the boy next door, Charles Smith's son Paul, perfect in every respect, hard working, intelligent, kind an generous. When a spare of thefts and acts of criminal damage occur, Matthew is blamed.

Of course there's a definite predictability about it, we all knew what was coming, where and how, but it was fun and revealing, taught us a lot about both Matthew and Henry.

You wonder why Matthew didn't tell his father where to go, and leave the house.

Best scene had to be Charles arriving with that tie on. You did feel a sense of pleasure, knowing that Henry could take down his constantly bragging neighbour.

Award for the least observant Policeman goes to.....

Milton Johns did a great line in these smarmy, well spoken characters, Charles really is a know all.

Purr nostalgia.

7/10.

Home to Roost: All You Need Is Love (1985) Season 1, Episode 3

Lust waits for no man.

[7/10 · 7 May 2024]

Henry is horrified when he meets Matthew's new girlfriend, Christine. Christine is the quiet type, but put be described as alternative. Henry is appalled to discover that the pair are engaged, and further exasperated, when he discovers Christine's pregnant.

My favourite of the three episodes so far, lots of nice one liners, a funny story, and John Thaw really showing us why he was so well regarded.

Christine is an interesting one, fast forward now and styles have changed so much, if she wasn't covered in tattoos and piercings nowadays, she'd be classed as alternative. Fortunately tastes have moved on.

It's been a comedy of the generations so far, but this one felt like a comedy of the classes, with the moral, mature characters incensed by the free living ideals of the youngsters.

Nice performance from Jenna Russell, a talented actress.

7/10.

Home to Roost: Bad Apples (1985) Season 1, Episode 2

Back to school.

[7/10 · 5 May 2024]

Mrs Thompson's delicate sensibilities are challenged, when the finds material of an adult nature under his bed. Henry is fed up of Matthew's relaxed lifestyle, and decides it's time to get him into an old school, one run by Thrasher Harris.

I did enjoy it, several laughs and a pretty good storyline. Amusing how prudish Mrs Thompson is, very delicate, definitely a product of her generation. Not totally a comedy about class, but it is feature, more a comedy of the generations.

Best scene, Matthew enjoying Thrasher detailing his father's antics at school. They really are like father, like son.

Alfred Burke is another actor I'd consider very much as a serious, straight up actor, he showed very good comedy timing.

It makes me chuckle how Henry has a drink in almost every other scene, but everyone should have a drinks unit.

7/10.

Home to Roost: A New Life (1985) Season 1, Episode 1

Teething troubles.

[8/10 · 5 May 2024]

Henry Willows is unimpressed when his estranged son Matthew turns up on his doorstep after seven years. Having decided to stay with his mum and her new man, the relationship between Father and son is non existent, Matthew needs his dad's help.

It's a fine start, a very funny first episode, a classic sitcom, some great lines, terrific performances, and the start of something good.

John Thaw was a tremendous actor, but one I associate with straight drama, here he shows his talent for comedy, he's terrific, and there is a dynamic between Thaw and Dinsdale.

Dinsdale is playing a seventeen year old, and looks it, in reality he was 26.

I vividly remember this series from my childhood, definitely a favourite, not quite sure I'd have remembered these earliest episodes, probably the later ones, I remember the living room and Mrs Thompson very well.

8/10.

Benidorm: Episode #4.3 (2011) Season 4, Episode 3

Madge is definitely not in the pink.

[8/10 · 5 May 2024]

Mateo takes the aqua aerobics class, Donald suffers breathlessness as a result. Lesley gets news from two heavies that Madge's debts have been bought out, by the infamous Mr Pink, who wants his money. Kenneth is making a few quid in his room.

A little bit more serious, not the out and out scream fest that the last few episodes were, it's turned more into a comedy drama, that said, the plots are getting more and more wild, but it's still bad loads of fun, the race is a classic Benidorm moment.

Isn't it lovely to think that Natalie and Liam, almost a couple here, are an actual real life, happy couple, how lovely.

Fair play to Melvyn Hayes, he's a good laugh as the over the top Mr Pink, he hasn't actually change a great deal since his 'aint 'arf hot mum' days.

Mateo in his costume, hilarious, he like Reid was always such an amazing sport, and always happy to wear anything, and do anything.

'This place is like a channel four documentary sometimes.' What a terrific line.

8/10.

A Passionate Woman: Episode #1.1 (2010) Season 1, Episode 1

Captivating drama.

[10/10 · 5 May 2024]

Betty has tried to bring out the romantic side of husband Donald, but fails, whilst out with her sister one night, she meets a tall, dark stranger named Craze, and the pair begin a wild affair.

I'd forgotten how brilliant this was, I'm working my way through Kay Mellor's catalogue, and I've not seen this since it first went out back in 2010, it's aged so well, a time where The BBC was still making terrific one off dramas (and two parters.)

Wonderful start, there's a mystery, who shot Craze and why? There's a love story, and there are some fabulous visuals.

The sex scenes between Piper and James are fantastic, I don't say that from an erotic point of view, from an acting stance, and a feeling I'd passion, you truly get a sense of infatuation between Betty and Craze.

It deserved awards for three simple words alone, introducing Theo James, a career that certainly took off since this.

I was inspired by seeing Theo in The Gentleman, if you haven't seen it, try it out.

Wonderful.

10/10.

Granite Harbour: Episode #2.1 (2024) Season 2, Episode 1

Superior to series one.

[7/10 · 5 May 2024]

Lindo, Bartlett and Macmillan are faced with two crimes, one involving the death of a suspected dealer, one who has links to a local crime family, and a possible murder, reported by Mariam Faraki, who's husband vanished on their illegal entry into the country by boat.

First off, I'll be honest, I slated series one, and it seems some think my comments were too harsh, I absolutely stand by them, I re-watched series one, and will say again, awful, terrible acting, terrible plot, the question, would series two be an improvement?

To answer that question, this is worlds away, the story is a good one, the acting is rather good, and as a production, it just feels more professional.

Dawn Steele did a good job here, I liked The Boss.

I didn't think it would happen, but I enjoyed an episode of Granite Harbour.

Good.

7/10.

Ghosts: Pineapple Day (2023) Season 5, Episode 3

Big story for Kitty, at last.

[9/10 · 5 May 2024]

The Ghost are keen to discover exactly what happened on Pineapple Day, the day that Kitty sadly died. Alison and Mike plan for their new arrival, and need a nursery, the stumbling block, Fanny.

Easily the best episode so far from this final series, quite wonderful, and a reminder of what has made Ghosts such a terrific series.

I loved Kitty's story, and it was great seeing the rest of the gang playing Detectives, and size really putting the pieces tighter, and learning what happened on that day. Great to have a big Kitty story, long overdue.

I think I'm starting to mix up The British and US series, as I thought there had already been a 'trapped in the safe room episode.'

I really loved that scene between Mike and Barclay, it just goes to show what an act of kindness can do, even to the hardest of hearts.

9/10.

Dead Boy Detectives (2024– )

Very entertaining series.

[8/10 · 5 May 2024]

Charles and Edwin are the Dead Boy Detectives, they team up with real life Psychic Crystal Palace, leaving London for The USA, to hunt for a missing girl.

I came so close to switching it off ten minutes into episode one, fast forward seven hours, and I've binge watched the whole show.

It's oodles of fun, exciting, outlandish and camper than a Carry on film, but totally entertaining.

Think Sherlock meets Ghostbusters, that's the vibe, and at times it does feel better suited to a younger audience, but there are also some very dark moments, particularly in Episode seven.

I urge you to find two more over the top characters than Esther and The Cat King, both so over the top and fabulous, but both worked really well.

Very well acted, nicely produced, with some pretty cool special effects.

It will keep you well entertained.

8/10.